Post workout stretches

Get the Better newsletter. SUBSCRIBE Nov. 30, 2018 / 8:41 PM GMT By Stephanie Mansour Did you know that fewer than 5 percent of adults clock in the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity each day? In fact, recent reports project that by the year 2039, half of all adults in the United States will be obese. And this is certainly the time of year when even those of us who normally work out regularly find it hard to squeeze in fitness (and keep the pounds off). Over the holidays people say they’re much more likely to behave in more sedentary ways like watching TV, sleeping, eating and drinking to manage their stress. And, according to a poll by the American Psychological Association, up to 69 percent of people are stressed by the feeling of having a “lack of time” to get everything done during the holiday season. If you’re one of those people who feels their blood pressure rise just looking at your to-do list, you may have already decided to shelve any … [Read more...] about 60-second health makeover: 6 simple tips for a better workout

It improves your workouts: “Stretching is a simple and effective activity that helps to enhance athletic performance, decrease the likelihood of injury, and assists with injury rehabilitation,” says Brad Walker, author of “Ultimate Guide to Stretching" and the Director of Education at StretchLab, an L.A.-based assisted stretching franchise concept, that offers both one-on-one stretching and group classes. “As a result, a reduction in general muscle tension is achieved and our ability to bend, reach and turn is improved. How exactly does an increase in range of motion translate to our weekly bootcamp or yoga class? "I’ve been able to work out harder and more efficiently by maintaining my flexibility and range of motion throughout all of my joints by stretching," says Ford. "A greater range of motion can lead to gains in physical performance. For instance, if you have tight hips and a lower back, you’ll be limited in your range of motion during a squat … [Read more...] about Stretching is more than a cool down. Here’s why you should consider it exercise.

With the Philadelphia Marathon (and Half Marathon) this weekend, people who have spent months training for the races probably have one thing on their mind when crossing that long-awaited finish line: recovery. While there are many types of recovery, ranging from food to cryotherapy, there are two main forms of post-workout recovery that are easy to complete at home: cold and hot therapy. While "icing and elevating" or laying on a heating pad are probably already in your post-run repertoire, knowing which one is better can help you streamline your recovery after a big race.RELATED READ: Check out all the deals for Philadelphia Marathon runnersAccording to Runner’s World, ice therapies and baths are the best bet for runners — even though the effects can be minimal in the eyes of science. “At the end of the day, we’re trying to prepare our body for the next workout, and cold is another brick in rebuilding after recovery with sleep, diet, hydration, … [Read more...] about Philly marathon runners, this is the best post-race recovery method

Getty ImagesWavebreakmedia Ever since your very first PE class in elementary school, you've heard that stretching is important to improve circulation and prevent injury. But when you're short on time, you may be tempted to skip stretching so you can log a few extra minutes of cardio or hit the weight room—don't. Whether you're about to go for a run or have been sitting all day and could use a break, stretching is a healthy habit that really pays off. Here are some of the perks it may provide. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below You'll be bright-eyed and raring to go—even at 3 PM A. And I. Kruk/Shutterstock If you're totally spent by mid-afternoon, a stretch break will invigorate you in less time than it would take for a barista to whip up your usual skim latte. Just a few minutes of stretching increases blood flow through your entire body—including your brain, says Jennifer Warthan, a certified personal trainer in Surry, VA. "It wakes you up and helps … [Read more...] about 7 Amazing Things That Happen to Your Body When You Stretch Every Day

You know that you should warm-up and cool down properly to make the most of your workouts—but for some exercise fanatics, stretching has become an activity in and of itself. Assisted stretching is now a bonafide fitness trend.Thanks to the influx of boutique studios, classes, and race participation over the past several years, weekend warriors and fitness junkies alike are now flocking to studios like Stretch Zone andStretchlab for classes and one-on-one stretching sessions designed to help them recover from their intense workouts. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Lymbr, for example, claims personalized stretching will increase mobility and speed, and improve overall athletic performance. (A 30-minute stretching session costs 55 bucks; a 60-minute session, $100.) Meanwhile, Stretch Zone says their sessions will enhance your athletic performance by easing residual muscle tension, improving reaction time and spatial awareness. The company doesn't list session prices on … [Read more...] about Don’t Waste Your Money on Boutique Stretching Sessions, Please